Foundation – an overview, types and if you really need to wear it

Foundation, girls (and maybe boys). It’s an amazing thing – it can even out your skin tone, brighten your appearance and just give you more confidence. I mean, who doesn’t want perfect skin? This next post is gonna be some of my tips, ideas and thoughts about foundation. Have fun!

Skin types & corresponding foundation

Some people will know their skin type, some won’t. You can actually do a whole test by putting a piece of paper against your face and seeing if it a) has soaked up oil or b) is falling off your skin (oily and dry skin types, respectively). I honestly can’t be bothered to do this. Basically, if your skin feels dry and you need to moisturise, you have dry skin, if you get a couple of spots in your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) but some areas of your face still feel dry, you have combination skin, and if your skin feels oily & not at all dry everywhere, and you have some spots, your skin is probably oily. If you’re none of the above, your skin is ‘normal’ (though I have found this is unusual and people’s skin usually leans one way or another).

Of course, please do properly test your face if you want, but I just find that sometimes there are easier and quicker ways to tell.

Foundation for oily skin

If you have oily skin, you should try to use a powder or an oil-free foundation which is specifically for oily skin. Make sure to wash it off every night and be sure to cleanse (this should hopefully improve your oily skin). Stay away from liquid foundations unless they are designed for oily skin.

Foundation for combination skin

This is what my skin is like! Powders are also a good option for these people, although some liquid/mousse foundations can be used if they are oil free or designed for people with combination skin. Again, it’s probably wise to stay away from the liquid foundations.

Foundation for people with dry skin

It’s wise for people with dry skin to stay away from using too much powder: it might cake and end up looking horrible, while not helping your dry skin at all. Instead, go on full speed ahead with the liquid foundations, preferably using the ones specifically for dry skin. Be sure to moisturise well before applying any make-up.

Do you really need to wear foundation?

It is important to consider if you really need to wear foundation. If you just want to even out your skin-tone then maybe just stick to tinted moisturisers or a light dusting of powder. For those people with bad skin who feel they really can’t part with foundation, my advice is try to work your way down the scale of how much makeup you wear because the more you wear, the owe your skin will get.